University fees in the UK are set to increase in 2025, breaking an eight-year cap on the rates for domestic students.

Fees for domestic undergraduate students have been capped at £9,250 per year in the United Kingdom since 2017.

The UK’s department for education says the cap for full-time student fees will now go up by £285, putting the max payable fee at £9,535.

It said the maximum cap for part-time student fees will go up by £210 making the yearly maximum fee limit cost £7,145.

The maximum cap for accelerated student fees is also set to go up by £340 making the yearly maximum fee limit cost £11,440.

The inflation-linked increase, set to take effect in October 2025, was approved by ministers after warnings of a deepening financial crisis in the UK’s university sector.

Bridget Phillipson, the secretary of state for education, said the UK government will implement a parallel increase to student maintenance loans by providing up to £414 extra for the 2025/2026 academic year.

She said this will serve to support students from the lowest-income families.

Addressing members of parliament, Phillipson echoed that significant financial concerns have resulted from frozen domestic tuition fees.

“Universities have suffered a significant real-time decline in their income,” the minister of state said.

“Increasing the fee cap has not been an easy decision, but I want to be crystal clear that this will not cost graduates more each month as they start to repay their loans.

“Universities are responsible for managing their finances and must act to remain sustainable. But members across this house will agree that it is no use keeping tuition fees down for future students if the universities are not there for them to attend.”

Lately, foreign nationals have been on the receiving end of some policy changes that have also impacted the finances of UK universities.

In September 2024, the amount a foreign national must show as “proof of funds” to study in the UK was increased.

Foreign nationals have also been banned from bringing family members to live with them while they study in the UK.

Author and accomplished newspaper editor/ journalism prizeman, Dayo Oketola, is set to embark on an international book tour taking off on November 15 with a book reading and signing event in Abuja.
 
Oketola has authored a book titled, ‘The Catalyst: Nigerian Tech Evolution Through a Journalist’s Lens’, presented to the public on September 17, 2024, at the Muson Centre in Lagos during an Exaugural Lecture marking the end of his tenure as Editor, The PUNCH. 

The book was unveiled by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other dignitaries.
 
The author expressed heartfelt gratitude on the incredible support and accolades that have followed the release of the book and announced an international book tour, beginning in Abuja and continuing to Lagos, Akwa-Ibom, Delta, as well as the UK, US, and Canada, among other locations.
 
He said, “The book reading and signing event, hosted by RovingHeights Bookstore in Abuja, will mark the start of the international “Catalyst Book Tour.” This tour will include readings, book signings, fireside chats, and interviews, serving as a platform to share insights from my 20 years in journalism while celebrating my contributions to the telecom industry’s knowledge base. It will also provide a chance to connect with friends, colleagues, critics, and fellow book lovers, both locally and internationally.”
   
Speaking on the book, the author explained that the 352-page compendium structured into 14 chapters celebrates remarkable industry achievements while critically addressing the persistent gaps that hinder its full potential.
 
He said,  “Blending personal narratives with meticulous industry analyses, ‘The Catalyst: Nigerian Tech Evolution Through a Journalist’s Lens’ offers a profound exploration of Nigeria’s telecommunications evolution,  which began with the introduction of GSM in 2001, to the vibrant and competitive industry we witness today.  It also highlights the bold initiatives that opened the sector to private investment, leading to over $70 billion in capital inflow and the creation of over 500,000 jobs in over 20 years.
“From emphasising how advancements in telecommunications, fintech, and infrastructure have catalysed Nigeria’s national development, the book delves into strategic planning and governance, showcasing successful projects that highlight the importance of foresight in harnessing technology for societal growth. Through real-life stories and case studies, readers will witness the transformative power of innovation in various sectors, from agriculture to education, among others.”

In the chapters dedicated to inclusivity in technology, the author confronts the marginalisation of vulnerable groups, particularly persons with disabilities (PWDs) and women. By exploring initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity, the book advocates for equitable access to technological advancements, emphasising the need for diverse voices in shaping the digital future.

According to Oketola, the book further examines the roles of regulatory agencies in shaping the telecoms and fintech sectors. It identified both the successes and failures of existing regulatory frameworks, shedding light on how these have influenced industry innovation and equipping readers with a deeper understanding of the complexities at play in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. 
The author equally investigates the operational challenges faced by NigComSat-1R, Nigeria’s multi-million dollar communication satellite, while looking into the future by examining the government’s initiatives aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s digital economic potential through broadband expansion, infrastructure development, and the rise of 5G technology.
According to him, the book is a collector’s item for ICT sector stakeholders, policymakers, researchers, lecturers, STEM students, university libraries and those interested in understanding the dynamic intersection of technology, policy, and social impact in Nigeria.
 

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Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo has announced the approval of N600 million for the payment of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for Senior Secondary Three (SS3) students in the state for the 2024/2025 academic year.

The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Education, Mr. Wemi Jones, during a press conference held on Tuesday in Lokoja.

He stated that the allocated funds will cover the examination fees for a total of 18,734 students in public schools across Kogi State.

According to Jones “The state government will be paying the sum of N600 million for the WAEC fees. The payment is in line with the Free Examination Fee for Pupils in Public Schools Law enacted by the state government in 2023.”

Jones highlighted that this initiative aligns with existing legislation mandating the government to bear the costs of examination registration fees for students in public primary and secondary schools.

In January 2024, the Kogi State government announced plans to institute a policy making the payment of external and internal examination fees-free. This policy aligns with the state’s commitment to free education

Under the same free education framework, the Kogi State Government, in line with its policy under former Governor Yahaya Bello, released N115 million to cover the cost of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration fees for 15,033 students in public schools across the state.

In November 2023, Governor Bello approved the immediate disbursement of N497 million for the payment of the 2023 WAEC examination fees for students enrolled in public schools.

This disbursement not only fulfils the administration’s recent commitment to implementing the “Zero Out-of-School Policy” in the region.

Prioritizing educational growth 

Jones noted that since 2016, the Kogi State government has prioritized education, allocating 30% of its budget to this sector.

“The aim of this is not just to lessen the burden of fees on the parents but also to reduce the out-of-school children in Kogi,” he said. 

Jones also shared encouraging statistics regarding student enrollment.

“In 2023/2024 registration, the state government enrolled over 15,000 students for the examination. In 2024/2025, the state is enrolling 18,734 students for WAEC across the 21 local government areas,” he said.  

This increase in enrollment indicates a significant trend, as more students are choosing to attend public schools instead of private institutions.

He reiterated the Ododo administration’s commitment to drastically reducing the number of out-of-school children in Kogi State, stating that the government aims to keep this number to a minimum.

Furthermore, he urged principals and school heads to collaborate closely with the ministry to ensure a seamless registration process for the benefit of the students and the state’s educational growth.

While the commissioner expressed optimism about the future of education in Kogi State, he also issued a stern warning to school principals.

“The government will come down heavily on any school principal who tries to shortchange the system,” he stated